Marketing Rants + Critiques

What is the funniest Super Bowl commercial of 2010? By far, and I mean by far, Volkswagen’s “Punch Dub” ad takes the cake. What makes it even better is seeing the story behind the classic game “Punch Buggy” (aka Slug Bug), which is elaborately described by the creator himself — Charlie “Sluggy” Patterson.

The commercial features a cameo from Stevie Wonder in which he slugs actor/comedian Tracy Morgan in the arm after a red Volkswagen Jetta zips by. This part was somewhat funny, though I found the young boy hitting his grandpa below the waist to be much better.

The best part? Volkswagen has taken the social media plunge and is using the internet to capitalize on this ad campaign. A “Punch Dub” game has been created on Facebook and users are encouraged to dole out virtual “slugs” in an attempt to win a weekly prize. Even better, people can interact with good ole’ Charlie “Sluggy” Patterson through his blog (www.sluggy.posterous.com) and Twitter feed (www.twitter.com/sluggypatterson).

Check out Sluggy below — he’s hilarious (when he’s in a good mood that is). Be safe and keep an eye out for the quick jab or right hook.